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It seared off of her, burning into my skin. Inflicting scars that would never heal—I wouldn’t let them. I didn’t know if she’d adverted her gaze for my benefit or hers, but I didn’t give it too much thought.
I shoved it away as I did with everything when it came to her. Out of respect for her overprotective brother, it was easier to pretend she was just my best friend’s little sister and not the woman who had the power to bring me to my knees if I’d let her.
Since she’d turned eighteen almost a year ago, there was no holding back anymore, and I indulged in the sweetest sin that was Autumn Troy. The little girl who used to follow me around with pigtails and her baby doll in her arms was long gone, and in her place stood an adult, a woman.
My feet moved of their own accord as I followed her out to the cove. We exchanged words that would eternally haunt me, only adding to the pile of endless secrets and betrayals I’d let happen to the family that raised me as if I was their own.
For a few seconds, I inhaled the sweet and enticing smell of Autumn. Remembering that the scent of her strawberry shampoo and coconut lotion still lingered on my pillow and sheets was the only comforting thing I had to go home to.
Stepping toward her, I swept the hair away from her face as a few tears slid down the sides of her cheeks. I wiped those away too. Her tears were the only thing I’d ever be worthy of. Our emotions were running wild, fighting a battle I knew I could never win.
The emotional turmoil ate away at me the closer I got to telling her this would be the last time she would see me. It would be the last time anyone in her family would see me. Including her brother.
I had to leave.
If I stayed, I’d make her mine, and I couldn’t do that to them. Not after everything they had done for me.
Gripping onto the back of her neck, I tugged her toward me, and she caught herself on my chest. Her lips were now mere inches away from my mouth.
Leaning in, I rasped, “I’m leaving town.”
Autumn’s doe eyes widened, and her breathing hitched. “Leaving?” She choked back a sob. “What do you mean leaving? Where are you going?”
“Away from you.”
She sucked in a breath. “Julian…” Softly, she pecked my lips, beckoning my mouth to open for her.
“But before I go…” I hesitated for a moment, wanting to remember the feel of her lips against mine. “I just need you to know.”
There was no coming back from this.
What I’d say next would break her heart. She’d hate me, but in the end, I did what I had to do.
Looking deep into her eyes, I viciously spewed, “You were nothing more than a fuck to me, kid.”
Those were the last words I’d ever said to her before I turned around and left her there.
With nothing but the man she once knew.
Chapter One
—Autumn—
Ten years later
“Welcome, Miss Troy. We can’t tell you how excited we are to finally have you here in Miami with us.”
I smiled, nodding at the women who’d just welcomed me. “Thank you. I’m excited to be here and working with everyone.”
She nervously chuckled, quickly playing it off. “Right… We’ve spoken on the phone several times in the last couple of weeks, and I’ve given you a brief overview, but I figured it would be best for us to discuss all the details in person and with everyone present.”
“Everyone except the most important person,” an older man sitting to the right of her informed.
She didn’t pay him any mind. “Now that you’ve signed your nondisclosure, it’s best if we begin with introductions before we proceed.” She touched her chest. “As you know, I’m Claire, the head of human resources, and I’ve been with Mr. Locke for the last four years. This is Mr. Locke’s assistant, Erin.” She gestured to the younger woman sitting beside her who appeared anxious and a bit shy.
“Erin will be citing our entire meeting, so please don’t be alarmed as she types away on her computer. Mr. Locke prefers all meetings to be noted for future reference and, of course, to avoid any indiscretions that may arise.”
“I understand.”
